Suggestions on the radio this evening (28th April) that in the face of the problems EI is experiencing long haul is to be pulled from Shannon.
EI, and several other well known ex-flag carriers, still have a long way to go to get get their costs of business down.Unfortunately for EI, their pockets are not as deep as either their ex-flag compatriates or their biggest compeitor in DUB.
IMHO, EI management have only one real option in order to save the company, savage costs, and that includes staff numbers, staff remuneration, staff benifits, work practices and supplier prices.
As to whether there is a "white knight" who would buy the airline ...without reform the only value are the dwindling bank balance, the aircraft, slots and brand. And all of those are very, very portable.
EI has made it through difficult times in the past, this time, given it's plc status could be diiferent. It is a stark and simple choice: introduce real, tangible and permanent reform or die. If the unions can't live with that they may well have to live without EI.
As to the earlier query regarding South Africa, Etihad are advertising DUB-Jo'burg via Abu Dhabi! That's got to add some travelling vs LHR, Paris or Frankfurt.
JAS